Supporting Mental Health - 3 Old Men in Boats

Working in agriculture and the countryside is often thought of as a good way of life but it can also be a demanding and stressful occupation, with many uncertainties. As the pressures on people working in agriculture and the rural economy continue to pile up, YANA, a rural mental health charity working across East Anglia, has recently launched its live helpline to remove barriers to accessing help and vital support that can save lives. YANA provides mental health training and funded counselling to the agricultural workforce and continues to see an increase in the number of requests for help each year.

Three Old Men in Boats have set out to raise much needed funds to support the cost of running YANA’s helpline and support services. Can you help them reach their £25,000 target? The paddling pensioners hope their 30-mile kayak challenge will not only reap generous cash donations through sponsorship, but will also promote mental health awareness amongst those in farming and rural businesses in East Anglia. With a combined age of 239 years and kayaking a combined total of almost 100 miles it is cause well worth supporting.

The three ‘old men’ are two members of Holt and District Rotary, Rod Hunt (MBE) 85 and John Rampling 84; and Henry Kilvert 70, Chair of YANA Trustees. Their aim is to kayak down the River Wensum from Sculthorpe Mill to Paul’s Ferry Norwich on 5th and 6th July.

Three Old Men in Boats 
Mission Accomplished 

Despite their total age of 239 years, Holt Rotarians, Rod Hunt and John Rampling, together with Henry Kilvert from YANA, (mental health charity for rural businesses), completed the challenge of kayaking the River Wensum from Fakenham to Norwich on 5th and 6th July. 

It was more difficult than anticipated with many fallen trees, invasive reed beds, banks thick with brambles and nettles, plus weirs and mills. 

The paddling pensioners took 16 hours in total to complete the course but they arrived on time at Pulls Ferry to be welcomed by Lady Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and her Deputy, Michael Gurney, the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Vivien Thomas plus 50 well-wishers. 

To date the endeavour has (with Gift Aid) raised over £14,000. A big thank you to everyone who has donated so far. 

The Just Giving page remains open until 24 November 2024 

www.justgiving.com/campaign/3-old-men-in-boats